Lecture Notes: Understanding the Pen Tool in Illustrator

Introduction to the Pen Tool

• The focus of today's lecture is on learning how to use the Pen Tool, also known as the Bezier Curve.
• Reference materials are available in the module and further resources can be found online.

Key Components

• Anchor Points: Basic points used to create lines, similar to plotting points in geometry.
• Handles: Added to anchor points to create curves in lines.

Practical Exercise

• Objective: Practice building a circle using the pen tool in Illustrator.
  • Setup: Create a grid with vertical and horizontal guides (five each, about an inch apart).
  • Activity: Plot points to form shapes (e.g., a baseball diamond).

Using the Pen Tool

• Start by placing anchor points to create straight lines.
• Use the Convert Tool to add handles:
  • Click and drag on anchor points to create handles, thus forming curves.
  • Handles work like symmetrical wings; pulling one extends both like an airplane.

Convert Tool Functions

1. Creating Symmetrical Handles: Automatically adds handles symmetrically on both sides of an anchor point.
2. Divorcing Handles: Allows independent movement of handles by separating them.
3. Deleting Handles: Removes handles by clicking on the anchor point.

Caution

• Be careful to distinguish between the Convert Tool and the Direct Selection Tool.
  • Visual difference: Convert Tool has a back, whereas the Direct Selection Tool does not.

Exercises and Tutorials

• Additional exercises include creating shapes like hearts from circles.
• Tutorials provided to reinforce learning.

Conclusion

• Emphasized repeated practice to master the use of the Pen Tool.
• End of the video session on the topic.